tunics—follow one another closely, yet are all distinct like a procession of a temple frieze.

The bride in the center is not at first distinguishable from her maidens; but as they begin their song, the maidens draw apart into two groups, leaving the veiled symbolic figure standing alone in the center.

The two groups range themselves to right and left like officiating priestesses. The veiled figure stands with her back against the curtain, the others being in profile. Her head is swathed in folds of diaphanous white, through which the features are visible, like the veiled Tanagra.

When the song is finished, the group to the bride's left turns about; also the bride, so that all face in one direction. In processional form they pass out, the figure of the bride again merging, not distinguishable from the maidens.

Strophe

But of her

Who can say if she is fair?

Bound with fillet,

Bound with myrtle

Underneath her flowing veil,

Only the soft length

(Beneath her dress)

Of saffron shoe is bright

As a great lily-heart

In its white loveliness.

Antistrophe

But of her

We can say that she is fair.

 Prev. P 8/71 next